Financial Markets Act

Definition ∞ A Financial Markets Act is a legislative instrument designed to regulate the operation, conduct, and participants within a nation’s financial markets. These acts typically cover areas such as securities trading, derivatives, market infrastructure, and investor protection. Their purpose is to ensure fair, efficient, and transparent markets while mitigating systemic risks. Such legislation provides the legal foundation for financial industry oversight.
Context ∞ The application of existing Financial Markets Acts to digital assets presents a significant challenge, as many predated blockchain technology. Discussions often involve how to interpret digital assets within traditional legal definitions of securities or commodities. Future amendments to these acts, or entirely new legislation, are expected to specifically address digital asset exchanges, token offerings, and decentralized finance protocols. Regulatory bodies aim to adapt these frameworks to maintain market integrity.